Assistant Design Researcher

Assistant Design Researcher - Better By Design

National College of Art & Design

Research

Salary Range:
€30,000+

Job Type:
Contract

- A Master’s degree (or equivalent professional experience) in design, design research, or a related discipline such as health sciences or social sciences.
- Experience supporting or conducting design research activities such as user research, co-design, prototyping, or evaluation.
- Strong communication and presentation skills, with experience sharing research or design outcomes through reports, exhibitions, or public engagement.
- Strong interpersonal skills and experience engaging with diverse stakeholders, demonstrating an awareness and commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion practices.
- Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, including designers, researchers, and healthcare professionals.
- Good organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage tasks and meet project deadlines.
- Demonstrated enthusiasm for developing expertise in design for health and contributing to research-led practice.
- Experience working on applied design projects within healthcare, public services, or community settings.
- Familiarity with qualitative or participatory research methods such as interviews, observations, or co-design workshops.
- Experience in documenting and communicating design processes and outcomes (e.g. through visualisations, reports, toolkits, or exhibitions).
- Interest in or understanding of design’s role in improving healthcare systems, services, or experiences.
- Experience contributing to collaborative, interdisciplinary, or multi-stakeholder projects.
- Awareness of evaluation practices or approaches to assessing the impact of design in applied contexts.
- Evidence of initiative, curiosity, and a commitment to developing expertise in design for health.
- Proficiency in relevant design or research tools (e.g. Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Miro).

Description

The Assistant Design Researcher will contribute to the Better by Design research initiative through hands‑on engagement in design‑led projects within healthcare settings. Working closely with the experienced Design Researcher, the Principal Investigator, and HSE Spark, the Assistant Design Researcher will support the research, design, and delivery of applied projects that use human‑centred and co‑design methods to address complex health challenges.

The role will involve assisting in research and fieldwork activities, helping to plan and facilitate co‑design workshops, contributing to the development of design concepts and prototypes, and supporting the evaluation and documentation of project outcomes and impact.

The Assistant Design Researcher will also assist in disseminating findings through presentations, publications, and public engagement activities. This position offers an opportunity to develop expertise in design research for health within an interdisciplinary environment.

The role is based in the Product Design Department at NCAD and operates under the supervision of the Principal Investigator.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

- Execute a specified programme of design‑led research and scholarship under the direction of the Principal Investigator.
- Contribute to applied design projects within healthcare settings, supporting research, co‑design, prototyping, and evaluation activities.
- Assist in developing and documenting design methodologies and tools for adoption in healthcare settings
- Assist in measuring and evaluating the impact of design in healthcare.
- Engage in appropriate training, professional development, and skill‑building opportunities as required by the Principal Investigator or NCAD DesignLabs.
- Contribute to the wider research and scholarly activities of NCAD DesignLabs and the institution.
- Participate in knowledge‑sharing and dissemination activities, including presentations, workshops, and publications.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Principal Investigator.

Company

The National College of Art & Design is Ireland’s leading provider of art and design education. Our campus on Thomas Street in Dublin’s historic city centre is home to a student population of 1,900 full and part‑time students engaged in a wide range of study and research across the disciplines of Art, Design, Education and Visual Culture.

The National College of Art and Design has been the most significant provider of Art & Design education in Ireland for over 250 years. NCAD is ranked 53rd in the world, 19th in Europe and 1st in Ireland for Art & Design, QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025. NCAD is a Recognised College of University College Dublin (UCD).

NCAD is a bold and curious organisation. We welcome all applicants - even if you feel you might not fit all of our criteria fully. Give it a try

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